The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993)

Err, the title is almost a summary itself. Based on the true story of a Texas mom who tries to hire a hitman (through her ex's brother) to kill either or both a cheerleader and her mother. ... See full summary »

Director:

Michael Ritchie

Writer:

Jane Anderson

Stars:

Holly Hunter, Beau Bridges, Swoosie Kurtz

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 8 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Holly Hunter	...	Wanda Holloway
Beau Bridges	...	Terry Harper
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Marla Harper
Elizabeth Ruscio	...	Verna Heath
Gregg Henry	...	Tony Harper
Matt Frewer	...	Troy McKinney
Eddie Jones	...	C.D. Holloway
Frankie Ingrassia	...	Shanna Harper
Gary Grubbs	...	Detective Helton
Jack Kehler	...	Sergeant F.E Blackwell
Fred Koehler	...	Shane Harper (as Frederick Koehler)
Megan Berwick	...	Amber Heath
Kathleen Marie Archer	...	Mother
Jana Arnold	...	Florine
Nelly Bly	...	Waitress

Storyline

Err, the title is almost a summary itself. Based on the true story of a Texas mom who tries to hire a hitman (through her ex's brother) to kill either or both a cheerleader and her mother. With the intended victims out of the way, Wanda's daughter gets the chance to become a cheerleader. When the media get hold of the story, Wanda's trial turns into a media circus.

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Plot Keywords:

texas | junior high school | murder | black comedy | ruler | 

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Taglines:

She wanted to give her daughter the best shot at being a cheerleader... The things you do for your kids.

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 April 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Anyuci tutira megy

Filming Locations:

Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Frederick S. Pierce Company, Home Box Office (HBO), Sudden Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Someone discusses possibility of an exploding baton, an in-joke reference to gag from director Michael Ritchie's 1975 movie Smile.

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Goofs

Wanda's voice on tape describes Verna's vehicle as a "1995 Grand Marquis." The film takes place in 1991.

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Quotes

Wanda Holloway: The things you do for your kids.

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Crazy Credits

credits end with "Finally, no spiders or cheerleaders were killed in the making of this movie"

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Connections

Features Donahue (1970)

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Soundtracks

"Take the Easy Way Out"
Music and lyrics by Julia Simon and Alex Shantzis
Sung by Julia Simon
Arranged by Alex Shantzis

User Reviews

Highly underrated satire

This is one of the best satires I have ever seen on film. Swoosie Kurtz & Beau Bridges are particularly outstanding but all the performances are hilarious & perfectly on target. The material is universally outrageous - all the more so for being based on a true story. Michael Ritchie was a brilliant director whose work has been sadly neglected. Prime Cut & Smile are two of his other masterpieces which deserve resurrection & pristine restoration on DVD. Interesting how some of the best & most off-beat satirical films are about Texas: This plus Texas Chainsaw Massacre plus Murder in Texas plus True Stories.